Mani Shi Cheng
Manistones(mani shi)usually carry the most popular Buddhist mantra,om mane padme hum,while others are more intricate, containing entire scriptures carved with gold lettering. Tibet's largest collection ofmanistones stands 5km (3 miles) west of Yushu. In 1955, there were optimistically estimated to be over two billion stones surrounding the temple, and although some now grace toilets in the area, the site has been resanctified and the pile is growing once more. The mass of stones and prayer flags towers over pilgrims who circumambulate the 1-sq.-km (1/2-sq.-mile) complex. It's a prodigious symbol of faith, especially when you consider that the temple is believed to have been established a little over 800 years ago. Stones were placed here by thankful pilgrims and traders from Sichuan, Lhasa, and Xining, who would rest in Yushu for several weeks. If you forgot to bring amanistone, you can purchase one from some women of remarkable antiquity and persistence. On the road back to Yushu, you may notice other stones by the side of the road, which have a less holy purpose and reflect the strength of Bon animistic traditions in the region. "Mouth stones" have the character for "mouth" inscribed one hundred times in a spiral pattern to seal the curse (usually against a business rival) on the reverse side. Understandably, these stones are carved and placed covertly.
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| Hours | Open daylight hours | |
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| Transportation | Minivan ¥10 ($1.25) | |
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| Prices | Free admission | |